The Buddha often said that keeping company with lovely and wise people is one of the most supportive qualities for our path of awakening. One of the first of our sincere practices, where we can also begin, is to be lovely friends for others in this world. How our practice is developing the qualities that make a spiritual friend.

The practice of metta brings five wonderful qualities into our Dhamma practice. It makes the heart softer and more responsive; it purifies the heart; it brings us into connection with all of life; it develops concentration; and it leads to happiness. Lovingkindness is the quality of friendliness toward oneself and others developed through the practice of metta. This talk describes how the practice works as a protection, a healing, a purification of heart, and a boundless state of mind.